Haridwar, Aug. 21 -- To give pilgrims and tourists a glimpse of the religious, spiritual and mythological significance of the Kumbh, grand welcome gates are being constructed at entry points to Haridwar with themes associated with the fair and architectural designs inspired by ancient India, officials said. According to Kumbh Mela officer Sonika, the Samudra Manthan theme has been selected for the main welcome gates, particularly at the Uttarakhand-Uttar Pradesh border, through which pilgrims and tourists from other states are expected to enter Uttarakhand for the Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027. At Mandavar-Chutmalpur on the Uttarakhand-Uttar Pradesh border, a grand welcome gate is being constructed at a cost of Rs.2.04 crore. Construction work is progressing despite the disruption caused by the annual two-week Shravan Kanwar fair. Samudra Manthan is the mythological churning of the ocean by the gods and demons that led to the emergence of the nectar of immortality, a central legend associated with the origin of the Kumbh. The structure will also highlight Uttarakhand's identity as Devbhoomi and showcase aspects of its religious and cultural heritage as well as its hill folk traditions. "The grand welcome gate at Mandavar-Chutmalpur is being given a Samudra Manthan theme. It will depict the churning of the ocean by the deities and demons, which led to the emergence of the nectar and is associated with the tradition of the Kumbh at Brahmakund, Har-ki-Pauri, in Haridwar. Quality and time-bound completion of the project by December 2026 is being ensured," Sonika said. Mela officials said temporary welcome gates would also be constructed at entry points from other districts before the Ardh Kumbh, following the practice adopted during the 2021 Mahakumbh. The Samudra Manthan legend is described in the Vishnu Purana and other Hindu scriptures. According to the tradition, drops of the nectar fell at four places, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain and Nashik,where the Kumbh Mela is subsequently held at intervals....